PRAYERS TO GET YOU THROUGH THE STORM OF THE PANDEMIC
Psalm 46 God is for us a refuge and strength,
a helper close at hand, in time of distress,
so we shall not fear though the earth should rock,
though the mountains fall into the depths of the sea.
The waters of a river give joy to God’s city,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within, it cannot be shaken;
God will help it at the dawning of the day.
Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."
The Lord of hosts is with us:
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
Psalm 107 They cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.
Psalm 71 In you, O Lord, I take refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me;
incline your ear to me and save me.
Jan Richardson That I may flee to you,
not to escape forever
from the world that you have created,
the world that you call beloved,
but that in your refuge
I will find your presence to strengthen me,
your courage to sustain me,
your grace to encompass me as I go
where you would have me go.
Stephen Oliver God of all care and compassion
you take us through deep waters
but never abandon us in the storm;
we walk in the dark but you never leave us without light.
Be with us in the night of our anxiety
and in the day of our over-confidence
so that we may keep faith with each other
as you have kept faith with us
in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
From The Church Union “Praying at Home”
Prayer for those affected by Covid-19
Merciful God, come to the help of your people.
Be our shelter in this time of peril
and strengthen the bonds of our community.
Bring healing to all who suffer
the ravages of this pandemic
and assist those whose skill and art
can put an end to this affliction.
Through Christ our Lord.
O God, our refuge and our shield,
even when we walk in the shadow of death
you are there at our side.
Be with your people in this time of danger:
bring strength to the afflicted
and protection to those untouched by disease.
Give us love and courage,
that we may trust in your power to save
and reach out to all who need our care.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
St Augustine
Frail is our vessel,
and the ocean is wide; but as in your mercy you have set our course,
so steer the vessel of our life
towards the everlasting shore of peace,
and bring us at length to the quiet haven of our heart's desire,
where you, 0 God, are blessed,
and live and reign for ever and ever.
Pray for us, Mary, Star of the Sea;
Remember us before your Son.
In the midst of this pandemic
may there be support for the anxious,
care for those who are sick,
and may those who have been
brought low find hope and comfort, knowing that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.
Pray for us, Mary, Star of the Sea;
Remember us before your Son.